Bruce Willis receives highest French cultural honor while promoting ‘A Good Day To Die Hard’

While in France to promote A Good Day To Die Hard, action star Bruce Willis received the medal of Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters, the highest cultural honor in the country.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Willis was presented the medal by Culture Minister Aurelie Filippetti, who cited Willis’ eclectic roles and contribution to cinema in his 30-year career.

“It is an honor, a real honor, to be here,” the 57-year-old actor said. “To get this very high honor for the commanders, I couldn’t be more pleased.” He attended the ceremony with his wife, Emma Heming, 34, by his side.

Filipetti referred to Willis’ Die Hard character John McClane as a “reluctant hero” and praised Willis’ knack for working with acclaimed directors outside of his action franchises. “He knows to sometimes leave his ‘tough guy’ costume and return to work with amazing filmmakers,” she said.

“I always feel at home when I’m in Paris and when I’m in France. I feel very comfortable here and always look forward to coming back,” Willis explained.

CBS News reports that Willis said he would be opposed to President Francois Hollande’s proposed 75 percent income tax for rich citizens if he did move to France.

Willis, who starred in Moonrise Kingdom and Looper last year, stars in A Good Day To Die Hard, the fifth film in the franchise. It opens on Thursday in the U.S. and on Feb. 20 in France.